Arthritis can have tremendous psychological and sociological impact on individuals living with this chronic disease.

You are invited to join Grand Court Lubbock for a free seminar about living with arthritis on Thursday, Aug. 26, at 2 p.m. Admission is complimentary, but please call 792-0111 for additional information and to reserve your seat.

The program will be presented by Sally Coates, Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Senior House Calls. Sally, who is living with arthritis, will be available to address any concerns you have about the emotional aspects of arthritis, such as accepting what can’t be changed.

In addition, Stephanie Jurkovich, Physical Therapist with Calvert Home Health Services, will demonstrate exercises designed to benefit individuals living with this disease.

“Because joints are stiff and it hurts to move, those with arthritis may limit their movement, but it’s important to stay mobile in order to maintain independence,” explains Stephanie. “Simple, gentle exercises that are easy on joints will help maintain range of motion, which helps in the long run.”

Programs like this one on arthritis are just part of a larger effort at Grand Court to look at the various aspects of healthy aging. The community’s activities program is designed to meet and enhance the six dimensions of Optimum Life®, available exclusively at Grand Court and other communities in the Brookdale Senior Living network.

“The goal is to help recognize the need for balance in all aspects of living,” says Jess Peterson, Executive Director at Grand Court. “By taking advantage opportunities in each of these areas, residents can enjoy health, wholeness, and life fulfillment in a comfortable environment.”

An Optimal Life is:

• Purposeful – providing value and focus

• Spiritual – a personal dimension that helps find meaning in life

• Emotional – responding to feelings

• Social – promoting personal connections

• Intellectual – encouraging full use of mental capacity

• Physical – improving health and wellness

One important part of the Optimum Life program at Grand Court is the annual Celebrations series, which provides a focus for monthly activities. In 2010, the series is on “Amazing Places America.” Each month a different region of the United States is featured with special entertainment, presentations, and other events. Residents have really enjoyed exploring the country without ever having to leave the comforts of home, says Jess, and their “travels” have taken them to New Orleans, Hollywood, The Wild West, The Carolinas, The Great Lakes, The Grand Canyon, The Rockies, and more.

Of course, Grand Court also offers a regular schedule of weekly activities which includes exercise classes, games, religious programs, and outings for shopping. Holiday events and musical programs also are very popular.

To learn more about Grand Court and such programs as the Celebrations Series and Optimum Life, please contact Mary Bradley, Marketing.

Grand Court offers spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as efficiency apartments, for independent living. Residents enjoy such amenities as meals, housekeeping, and transportation. Grand Court is located at 4601 71st St. in Lubbock.

Remember to mark your calendar for the free seminar on arthritis scheduled for Aug. 26, at 2 p.m. Please call (806) 792-0111 for more information and reserve your seat.